Oven convection fan

ABSTRACT

A high temperature convection fan device that improves the operation of an oven is provided. Each oven convection fan device component is designed to withstand the harsh environment and elevated temperatures common to an oven. Sources of energy include but are not limited to wind-up springs and/or drawing electric power from the oven lamp socket. Other solutions provide additional features including but not limited to lighting, sensors, control systems and/or displays.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a convectionfan for ovens. More specifically, embodiments of the present inventionrelate to an after market device that can be incorporated in an ordinaryoven to improve performance.

2. Description of the Related Art

As people become more aware of rising energy costs and environmentalconcerns, there is an opportunity to improve the efficiency ofappliances and in particular household kitchen ovens. For newconstruction, renovations and replacements, consumers have the choice toupgrade the oven to a convection oven with a built-in convection fan.Consider that repairing an oven is common since replacement oven partsare widely available, inexpensive and easy to replace. Built-in ovensare often hard to match in size, color, style and require a licensedcontractor to handle the electrical power connections. Thus, ovens lasta long time.

This invention allows one to enhance an existing oven without the waste,cost, inconvenience, construction, time or hassle of matching appliancesrequired when replacing an otherwise perfectly good oven.

It is well understood in thermodynamics that heat can be transferredusing convection, conduction and/or radiation.

It is well understood that closed loop control systems and feedbackcontrol systems can be used to improve the individual characteristics ofovens, heaters, motors or fans. Previous to this invention, such closedloop control systems were restricted to include the oven device such asan integrated convection oven. Previous to this invention, the closedloop control system components necessary to operate in the harsh hightemperature environment of an oven were expensive relative to the costof a consumer oven or consumer oven accessory item.

It is well understood in cooking to display food temperature. It is wellunderstood that temperature probes are used to monitor food temperatureand signal an alarm or make a sound when a desired temperature isachieved. These devices are limited in ability and do not offer an airmoving device and the related benefits.

Previous to this invention, one could purchase table top conventionovens and convection toaster ovens. These devices occupy additionalcounter space and lack the performance of a full size oven. Theexteriors are generally hotter, the insulation is poorer and theefficiency is low when compared to a conventional oven. These devicesinclude one or more heating elements that are more for reheating a smallor single serving.

Previous to this invention, a variety of electric fans are availablethat operate at common room temperatures. These room temperature devicesare unable to operate in the sustained high temperature environmentfound in or around a hot oven. Common fan parts made from plastic andrubber would melt. Paper parts would burn. Electrical insulation onwires and particularly motor windings would fail. Materials would expandand change shape causing moving parts to stick. Energy source devicessuch as batteries might even explode.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes a system for an oven convection fan.This fan allows a user to upgrade the performance of their existingoven. The user obtains a simple and easy way to reduce powerconsumption, shorten cooking time, lower room temperature on a hotsummer day, bake more uniformly, roast more consistently, and/or savemoney.

Variation of power source solutions, energy conversion solutions,transmissions solutions, air movement solutions, and/or control systemsare combined to create similar yet different fans for use in ovens.Other solutions incorporate sensors to detect temperatures, count time,measure air flow rates, and/or measure power consumption to bettercontrol the system and/or report information to the user.

In some variations, the system is partitioned with some parts locatedoutside of the oven while other parts are located within the oven. Inthis way, there is more flexibility in the ease of use and/or the hightemperature design requirements for the system.

Power is equal to temperature multiplied by flux (heat flow rate). Byraising the amount of air circulation, the oven can produce the sameamount of power using a lower temperature at the heating element. Statedanother way, given the same temperature at the heating element, the ovenproduces more power due to the higher flux. The ability to makeadjustments in both temperature and flux increases the ability toproperly control the cooking process.

Similarly the food (such as a turkey) within the oven cooks more evenlyand quickly. Better circulation results in more consistent crusts whenbaking and crisp exteriors when roasting. Baking or roasting times canbe shortened. Total power consumption can be reduced.

Many of the advantages of an integrated convection oven are obtained ata fraction of the cost. A separate convection fan device is also easilyreplaced and machine washable. Multiple fans can be used together.

A number of novel methods of locating the convection fan within the ovenhelp to maximize useful space. The design of the fan is improved toproduce more efficient air flow in low cost production methods. Somedesigns of the fan incorporate novel sources of power such as using thepre-existing oven light bulb socket and the pre-existing oven lightswitch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantage of one or more disclosed embodiments may become apparent uponreading the following detailed description and upon reference to thedrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a sketch depicting an illustrative system dynamics in andaround an oven with a convection fan device, according to one or moreembodiments described herein;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting an illustrative oven convection fandevice, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting an illustrative oven light andconvection fan device, according to one or more embodiments describedherein;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting an illustrative oven sensor(s) andconvection fan device, according to one or more embodiments describedherein;

FIG. 5 is a sketch depicting an illustrative wind-up propeller fandevice, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 6 is a sketch depicting an illustrative wind-up impeller fandevice, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 7 is a sketch depicting an illustrative impeller device, accordingto one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 8 is a sketch depicting an illustrative tray style oven fan device,according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 9 is a sketch depicting an illustrative oven light and convectionfan device, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 10 is a sketch depicting an illustrative magnetic oven convectionfan device, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 11 is a sketch depicting an illustrative inductive oven convectionfan device, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 12 is a sketch depicting an illustrative cable driven ovenconvection fan device, according to one or more embodiments describedherein;

FIG. 13 is a sketch depicting an illustrative belt driven ovenconvection fan device, according to one or more embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 14 is a logic flow diagram depicting an illustrative closed loopcontrol system, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are exemplary systems and methods for an ovenconvection fan device. In the following description, numerous specificdetails are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of variousembodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat the various embodiments may be practiced without the specificdetails. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components,and circuits have not been illustrated or described in detail so as notto obscure the particular embodiments.

The term “air moving device” includes but is not limited to turbines,propellers, impellers, blades, wings, blowers, pumps, compressors,rotating or non-rotational air moving devices, piezo electric vibratingdevices, MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System), explosive devices,pressure difference generating devices, temperature differencegenerating devices, velocity difference generating devices, massdifference generating devices, arrays of air moving devices, andcombinations of air moving devices.

The term “energy source device” includes but is not limited to electric,mechanical, human, fluidic, chemical, rotational, biological, nuclear,atomic, regenerative types of power, connectors to energy, energy plugs,energy sockets, and combinations of energy source devices. Electricpower includes but is not limited to AC (alternating current), DC(direct current), switching, inductive, magnetic, hybrid, battery,thermal electric, and combinations of electric power types. Mechanicalpower includes but is not limited to spring, linear spring, weight,mass, and combinations of mechanical power types. Some sources of energyare stored locally such as from within a battery or spring while othersare introduced externally such as from an electrical outlet, bulb socketor hand wound spring.

The term “power conversion device” includes but is not limited tomotors, transformers, springs, linear springs, levers, pumps, gears,magnets, coils, wires, electronics, mechanisms, and combinations ofpower conversion devices.

The term “transmission device” includes but is not limited to shafts,gears, magnetic coupling, rods, arms, clutches, belts, cables, pulleys,bearings, rotational devices, linear motion devices, non-linear motiondevices, and combinations of transmission devices.

The term “control device” includes but is not limited to on/offswitches, variable switches, limit switches, electronic switches,mechanical switches, chemical switches, fluidic switches, microswitches, control systems, feedback control systems, closed loop controlsystems, open loop control systems, external switches, oven light bulbswitches, touch sensors, smart grid controllers, power managementcontrollers, safety switches, fuses, temperature controlled switches,thermostats, bi-metal materials, wireless control systems, wired controlsystems, remote control systems, motion sensing control systems,proximity control systems, software, computers, and combinations ofcontrol devices.

The term “mechanical device” includes but is not limited to hangers,stands, clips, trays, bars, screws, wires, silicon parts, metal parts,ceramic parts, stone parts, synthetic parts, high temperature parts andcombinations of mechanical devices.

The term “lighting device” includes but is not limited to light bulbs,LED lights, chemical lights, gas fire, fire, light reflectors, lens,focusing systems, optical films, wave guides, fiber optics, photonemitting solutions and combinations of lighting devices.

The term “sensor” includes but is not limited to thermometers,thermistors, thermostats, thermocouples, bi-metal materials, timers,clocks, temperature measuring devices, flow measuring devices, pressuremeasuring devices, voltage meters, current meters, power measuringdevices, ohm meters, capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, impedancesensors, electronic instruments, mechanical instruments, size measuringdevices, scales, weight measuring instruments, moisture measuringinstruments, odor detectors, flavor detectors, chemical measuringinstruments, fire detectors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors,radiation detectors, infrared detectors, and combinations of sensors.

High temperature materials include but are not limited to metal,plastic, glass, ceramic, stone, silicone, silicon, plastics, fluorinatedethylene propylene (FEP), polychloro triflouroethylene (PCTFE),perflouroalkoxy (PFA), vespel polyiminde, polyetherether-ketone (PEEK),Meldin 7001, Torlon 4203, Rulon, polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyimides(PI), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polycarbonate, and combinations ofhigh temperature materials. Electrical conductive high temperaturematerials are useful for but not limited to circuits, motors, switches,power supplies, batteries, wires, sockets, plugs, electromagnets,inductors, sensors, semiconductors, processors, and logic.

FIG. 1 is a sketch depicting an illustrative system dynamics in andaround an oven 200 with an oven convection fan device 100, according toone or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, an oven convectionfan device 100 is used to circulate air 201 within the oven 200. Thefood 204 is commonly placed within a tray 202 on an oven shelf 206 orrack 206 within the oven 200. The circulating air 201 transfers energyfrom the heating elements 208 to the food 204. Within some ovens is anoven light bulb 210 that is inserted into a light socket 212 which iscontrolled from one or more oven light switches 214.

As cooking involves time 230, various temperatures, thermal flux ratesand/or air flow rates 228, it is useful to know the measure of thesevalues as they change. In control systems, these values are commonlycalled state variables. The temperature of various locations andelements are useful and include ambient temperature 220 of the room,oven temperature 222, heating element temperature(s) 224, and foodtemperature(s) 226.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting an illustrative oven convection fandevice 100, according to one or more embodiments. In one or moreembodiments, an energy source device 110 is attached to an air movingdevice 140 using a power conversion device 120 and a transmission device130. The rate of air movement is varied using a control device 170. Anexample of a basic control device 170 is a switch that turns the ovenconvection fan device 100 on and off. The oven convection fan device 100is located within an oven using a mechanical device 180. An embodimentof the mechanical device 180 is to locate the oven convection fan device100 in a convenient position within the oven that occupies less usefulspace and/or improves air circulation.

The energy source device 110 is capable of withstanding the hightemperatures found in or around an oven. A preferred embodiment of ahigh temperature energy source device 110 is a metal wind-up knobattached to a linear force spring. Another example of a high temperatureenergy source device 110 is to draw power from the oven light bulbsocket.

The air moving device 140 is capable of withstanding the hightemperatures found in or around an oven. A preferred embodiment of ahigh temperature air moving 140 device is a metal impeller or propeller.Another embodiment of a high temperature air moving device 140 is asilicone impeller or propeller.

The power conversion device 120 is capable of withstanding the hightemperatures found in or around an oven. A preferred embodiment of ahigh temperature power conversion device 120 is a linear springconstructed from spring steel and related moving parts of metal. Anotherembodiment of a high temperature power conversion device 120 is anelectric motor with high temperature insulation on the motor windings.

The transmission device 130 is capable of withstanding the hightemperatures found in or around an oven. An embodiment of a hightemperature transmission device 130 is a set of gears or shaftsmanufactured from metal.

The control device 170 is capable of withstanding the high temperaturesfound in or around an oven. An embodiment of a high temperature controldevice 170 is an on/off switch manufactured from metal.

The mechanical device 180 is capable of withstanding the hightemperatures found in or around an oven. A preferred embodiment of ahigh temperature mechanical device 180 is a hanger made from metal.Another embodiment of a high temperature mechanical device 180 is amating electrical connector that fits an existing oven light bulbsocket.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting an illustrative oven light andconvection fan device 200, according to one or more embodiments. In oneor more embodiments, a lighting device 150 draws power from the energysource device 110 to illuminate the oven and items within the oven.

An energy source device 110 is attached to an air moving device 140using a power conversion device 120 and a transmission device 130. Therate of air movement is varied using a control device 170. An example ofa basic control device 170 is a switch that turns the oven light andconvection fan device 200 on and off. The oven light and convection fandevice 200 is located within an oven using a mechanical device 180. Anembodiment of the mechanical device 180 is to locate the oven convectionfan and lights system 200 in a convenient position within the oven thatoccupies less space and/or improves air circulation.

The energy source device 110 is capable of withstanding the hightemperatures found in or around an oven. An embodiment of a hightemperature energy source device 110 is to draw power from the ovenlight bulb socket.

The air moving device 140 is capable of withstanding the hightemperatures found in or around an oven. An embodiment of a hightemperature air moving 140 device is a metal impeller or propeller.Another embodiment of a high temperature air moving device 140 is asilicone impeller or propeller.

The power conversion device 120 is capable of withstanding the hightemperatures found in or around an oven. An embodiment of a hightemperature power conversion device 120 is an electric motor with hightemperature insulation on the motor windings.

The transmission device 130 is capable of withstanding the hightemperatures found in or around an oven. An embodiment of a hightemperature transmission device 130 is a set of gears or shaftsmanufactured from metal.

The control device 170 is capable of withstanding the high temperaturesfound in or around an oven. An embodiment of the control device 170 isto use the oven light on/off switch typically located outside of theoven chamber.

The mechanical device 180 is capable of withstanding the hightemperatures found in or around an oven. An embodiment of a hightemperature mechanical device 180 is a mating electrical connector thatfits an existing oven light bulb socket

The lighting device 150 is capable of withstanding the high temperaturesfound in or around an oven. An embodiment of a high temperature lightdevice 150 is an incandescent light bulb made mainly of glass and metal.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting an illustrative oven sensor(s) andconvection fan device 300, according to one or more embodiments. In oneor more embodiments, one or more sensors 160 provide information to thecontrol device 170. The sensor or sensors 160 measure temperature(s),time, flow rate, power and other state variables. One use for theinformation from one or more sensors 160 is to improve the control ofthe air moving device 140.

One embodiment of a control system is to use a bi-metal material (ascommonly found in a thermostat) to automatically turn on the air movingdevice 140 above a given temperature and/or automatically turn off theair moving device 140 below the same or different temperature. In thisway, the fan would automatically turn on and off.

Another use for the sensor information from one or more sensors 160 isto display status information to the user such as food temperature orcooking time remaining.

An energy source device 110 is attached to an air moving device 140using a power conversion device 120 and a transmission device 130. Therate of air movement is varied using a control device 170. An example ofa basic control device 170 is a switch that turns the oven convectionfan and sensor(s) system 300 on and off. The oven convection fan andsensor(s) system 300 is located within an oven using a mechanical device180. An embodiment of the mechanical device 180 is to locate the ovenconvection fan and sensor(s) system 300 in a convenient position withinthe oven that occupies less space and/or improves air circulation.

The energy source device 110 is capable of withstanding the hightemperatures found in or around an oven. An embodiment of a hightemperature energy source device 110 is a metal wind-up knob attached toa linear force spring. Another example of a high temperature energysource device 110 is to draw power from the oven light bulb socket.

The air moving device 140 is capable of withstanding the hightemperatures found in or around an oven. An embodiment of a hightemperature air moving 140 device is a metal impeller or propeller.Another embodiment of a high temperature air moving device 140 is asilicone impeller or propeller.

The power conversion device 120 is capable of withstanding the hightemperatures found in or around an oven. An embodiment of a hightemperature power conversion device 120 is a linear spring constructedfrom spring steel and related moving parts of metal. Another embodimentof a high temperature power conversion device 120 is an electric motorwith high temperature insulation on the motor windings.

The transmission device 130 is capable of withstanding the hightemperatures found in or around an oven. An embodiment of a hightemperature transmission device 130 is a set of gears or shaftsmanufactured from metal.

The control device 170 is capable of withstanding the high temperaturesfound in or around an oven. An embodiment of a high temperature controldevice 170 is and on/off switch manufactured from metal.

The mechanical device 180 is capable of withstanding the hightemperatures found in or around an oven. An embodiment of a hightemperature mechanical device 180 is a hanger made from metal. Anotherembodiment of a high temperature mechanical device 180 is a matingelectrical connector that fits an existing oven light bulb socket.

The sensor device(s) 160 is(are) capable of withstanding the hightemperatures found in or around an oven. An embodiment of a hightemperature resistant sensor device is a bi-metal strip that senses oventemperature. Another embodiment of a high temperature resistant sensordevice that measures food temperature is a thermocouple.

FIG. 5 is a sketch depicting an illustrative wind-up propeller fandevice 300, according to one or more embodiments. In one or moreembodiments, the energy source device 110 is a hand wound springattached to an air moving propeller device 142 through a powerconversion device 120 and a transmission device 130. An embodiment ofthe spring is a linear force spring. The energy stored in the spring isreleased through a time release mechanism and converted to rotationalforce which is transmitted to the air moving device 142 through shaftsand/or gears.

The air moving propeller device 142 is turned on and off using a controldevice 170. An embodiment of the mechanical device 180 is a mechanicalhanging device that suspends the wind-up propeller fan device 300 froman oven rack or shelf.

Air intake moves generally co-axially towards the propeller device 142.The air exhaust moves generally co-axially away from the propellerdevice 142.

FIG. 6 is a sketch depicting an illustrative wind-up impeller fan device310, according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments,the energy source device 110 is embodied by a hand wound spring attachedto an air moving impeller device 144 through a power conversion device120 and a transmission device 130. A preferred embodiment of the springis a linear force spring. The energy stored in the spring is releasedthrough a time release mechanism and converted to rotational force whichis transmitted to the air moving device 144 through shafts and/or gears.

The air moving impeller device 144 is turned on and off using a controldevice 170. A preferred embodiment of the mechanical device 180 is amechanical hanging device that suspends the wind-up propeller fan device300 from an oven rack or shelf.

Air intake moves generally co-axially towards the impeller device 144.The air exhaust moves generally radially away from the impeller device144.

FIG. 7 is a sketch depicting an illustrative impeller device 148,according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments,impeller device 148 uses one or more conic section to approximate thecomplex high order surface of an efficient impeller. In an embodiment,each impeller blade is approximated with two linear sections that may bebent from a flat or nearly flat piece of material 146. Anotherembodiment is a combination of propeller and impeller geometries toimprove air draw towards the central portion of the impeller and thenaccelerate the air radially away from the impeller.

FIG. 8 is a sketch depicting an illustrative tray style oven fan device320, according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments,the mechanical tray device 180 allows the tray style oven fan device 320to be placed in a horizontal position such as placed on an oven rack orshelf. In an embodiment, this tray style oven fan device 320 may beincorporated into a food tray or used in conjunction with a standalonefood tray.

An embodiment of the air moving device is an impeller device 144 withair intake generally co-axial and air exhaust generally radial to theimpeller device 144.

The energy source device is attached to the impeller device 144 througha power conversion device 120 and transmission device 130. An embodimentis to use a hand wound linear force spring. Another embodiment is to usea machine such as a power drill to assist in winding the linear forcespring.

FIG. 9 is a sketch depicting an illustrative oven light and convectionfan device 400, according to one or more embodiments. In one or moreembodiments, the energy source device 110 provides electricity to thelighting device 150 and the power conversion device 120.

The power conversion device 120 converts the electrical energy torotational energy which is transmitted to the air moving device 140using a transmission device 130. An embodiment of the power conversiondevice 120 is an electric motor with high temperature windings 420, hightemperature rotor 432, and high temperature motor bearing 422 able tooperate at the temperatures commonly found within an oven.

The transmission device 130 connects the motor rotor 432 to the airmoving device 140. The air moving device 140 draws air into the airintake 436 and pushes air out the exhaust 434.

We teach that the control device is provided by the oven light bulbswitch located externally to the oven chamber.

The mechanical device 180 is fitted to the oven light bulb socket. Anembodiment is to use a screw thread 430 that mates with the existingoven light bulb socket. The shape of the oven light and convection fandevice 400 is designed to mate the existing oven light bulb openingallowing the lighting device 150 to perform in a similar manner as theoriginal oven light bulb.

FIG. 10 is a sketch depicting an illustrative magnetic oven convectionfan device 500, according to one or more embodiments. In one or moreembodiments, the energy source device 110 and power conversion device120 are located outside of the oven 502. An embodiment of the energysource device 110 is one or more electric batteries. An embodiment ofthe power conversion device 120 is an electric motor.

The transmission device is partitioned such that the outside magnets 530of the transmission device are located outside of the oven 502 and theinside magnets 532 of the transmission device are located inside of theoven 504. The outside magnets 530 of the transmission device creates amagnetic force which is transmitted through the oven door glass 506driving the inside magnets 532.

The air moving device 140 is located inside the oven 504. The air movingdevice 140 is propelled by the energy source device 110 through thepower conversion device 120 and transmission devices outside magnets 530and inside magnets 532.

The mechanical device 180 is located on both the inside 502 and outside504 of the oven door glass 506. An embodiment of the mechanical device180 is to use magnets.

FIG. 11 is a sketch depicting an illustrative inductive oven convectionfan device 550, according to one or more embodiments. In one or moreembodiments, the inductive energy source device 560 is located outsideof the oven 502. The inductive energy receiver device 562 is locatedinside of the oven 504. The outside inductive energy source device 560creates an inductive field which is transmitted through the oven doorglass 506 and received by the inductive energy receiver device 562.

The air moving device 140 is located inside the oven 504. The air movingdevice 140 is propelled by the inductive energy source device 560through the inductive energy receiver 562, and power conversion device120.

The mechanical device 180 is located on both the inside 502 and outside504 of the oven door glass 506. An embodiment of the mechanical device180 is to use magnets.

FIG. 12 is a sketch depicting an illustrative cable driven ovenconvection fan device 600, according to one or more embodiments. In oneor more embodiments, the energy source device 110 and power conversiondevice 120 are located outside of the oven 502. An embodiment of theenergy source device 110 is one or more electric batteries. Anembodiment of the power conversion device 120 is an electric motor.

A flexible cable 630 is routed around the oven door 508 and used as atransmission device to attach the power conversion device 120 to the airmoving device 140. An embodiment of the flexible cable 630 is a spiralmetal drive shaft with a metal sleeve that is thin enough to fit aroundthe oven door 508 insulation or gaps in the insulation.

The air moving device 140 is located inside the oven 504. The mechanicaldevice 180 is located on both the inside and outside of the oven door508. An embodiment of the mechanical device 180 is to use magnets.

FIG. 13 is a sketch depicting an illustrative belt driven ovenconvection fan device 650, according to one or more embodiments. In oneor more embodiments, the energy source device 110 and power conversiondevice 120 are located outside of the oven 502. An embodiment of theenergy source device 110 is one or more electric batteries. Anembodiment of the power conversion device 120 is an electric motor.

A flexible belt device 660 is routed around the oven door 508 and usedas a transmission device to attach the power conversion device 120 tothe air moving device 140. An embodiment of the flexible belt 660 is athin metal strap within a metal sleeve that is thin enough to fit aroundthe oven door 508 insulation or gaps in the insulation.

The air moving device 140 is located inside the oven 504. The mechanicaldevice 180 is located on both the inside 502 and outside 504 of the ovendoor 508. An embodiment of the mechanical device 180 is to use magnets.

FIG. 14 is a logic flow diagram depicting an illustrative closed loopcontrol system 700, according to one or more embodiments. The transferfunction 740 characterizes the behavior of the oven convection fandevice using mathematical formulae or computational programs. The inputvector 710 consists of one or more set point values. One embodiment ofthe input vector 710 is a set of values that includes cooking time, fanspeed and desired food temperature. The state variables 750 is a vectorarray of data collected from sensor devices. One embodiment of the statevariable 750 is a set of data that includes time, oven temperature, foodtemperature, heating element temperature, ambient temperature, fanspeed, thermal flux rate, air flow rate, and power.

The control function 760 accepts the state variables 750 to produce acontrol vector 730. The control vector 730 is combined with the inputvector 710 using a sum device 720. In this way, the input control vector730 values are modified before being used by the oven control device tomore precisely achieve the desired cooking result.

The display 780 allows the user to observe the values for one or morestate variables 750. One embodiment is to show an indication of the foodtemperature. Another embodiment is to show an indication of the amountof time remaining before the desired cooking is completed.

What is claimed is: 1) An oven convection fan device comprising: anenergy source device; a power conversion device; a transmission device;an air moving device; a control device; a mechanical device; wherein theenergy source device is attached to the power conversion device; whereinthe power conversion device converts the energy from one form to anotherform; wherein the power conversion device is attached to thetransmission device; wherein the transmission device is attached to theair moving device; wherein the transmission device delivers the energyfrom the conversion device to the air moving device; wherein the airmoving device causes air to be circulated; wherein the control devicecan vary the air movement; wherein the mechanical device is used toposition the convection fan's location within or around an oven; whereinthe energy source device can withstand the high temperature environmentcommonly found in or around an oven; wherein the power conversion devicecan withstand the high temperature environment commonly found in oraround an oven; wherein the transmission device can withstand the hightemperature environment commonly found in or around an oven; wherein theair moving device can withstand the high temperature environmentcommonly found in or around an oven; wherein the mechanical device canwithstand the high temperature environment commonly found in or aroundan oven. 2) An oven light and convection fan device comprising: anenergy source device; a power conversion device; a transmission device;an air moving device; a control device; a mechanical device; a lightingdevice; wherein the energy source device is attached to the powerconversion device; wherein the power conversion device converts theenergy from one form to another form; wherein the power conversiondevice is attached to the transmission device; wherein the transmissiondevice is attached to the air moving device; wherein the transmissiondevice delivers the energy from the conversion device to the air movingdevice; wherein the air moving device causes air to be circulated;wherein the control device can vary the air movement; wherein themechanical device is used to position the convection fan's locationwithin or around an oven; wherein the lighting device illuminates theoven chamber; wherein the energy source device can withstand the hightemperature environment commonly found in or around an oven; wherein thepower conversion device can withstand the high temperature environmentcommonly found in or around an oven; wherein the transmission device canwithstand the high temperature environment commonly found in or aroundan oven; wherein the air moving device can withstand the hightemperature environment commonly found in or around an oven; wherein themechanical device can withstand the high temperature environmentcommonly found in or around an oven; wherein the lighting device canwithstand the high temperature environment commonly found in or aroundan oven. 3) An oven sensor(s) and convection fan device comprising: anenergy source device; a power conversion device; a transmission device;an air moving device; a control device; a mechanical device; one or moresensor device(s); wherein the energy source device is attached to thepower conversion device; wherein the power conversion device convertsthe energy from one form to another form; wherein the power conversiondevice is attached to the transmission device; wherein the transmissiondevice is attached to the air moving device; wherein the transmissiondevice delivers the energy from the conversion device to the air movingdevice; wherein the air moving device causes air to be circulated;wherein the control device can vary the air movement; wherein themechanical device is used to position the convection fan's locationwithin or around an oven; wherein the sensor device measures a statevariable of the system; wherein the energy source device can withstandthe high temperature environment commonly found in or around an oven;wherein the power conversion device can withstand the high temperatureenvironment commonly found in or around an oven; wherein thetransmission device can withstand the high temperature environmentcommonly found in or around an oven; wherein the air moving device canwithstand the high temperature environment commonly found in or aroundan oven; wherein the mechanical device can withstand the hightemperature environment commonly found in or around an oven; wherein thesensor device(s) can withstand the high temperature environment commonlyfound in or around an oven. 4) The system of claim 3, wherein one ormore of the sensor devices is a temperature gauge that measures the oventemperature. 5) The system of claim 4, wherein the control deviceenables the fan when the oven temperature is above a thresholdtemperature. 6) The system of claim 4, wherein the control devicedisables the fan when the oven temperature is below a thresholdtemperature. 7) The system of claim 3, wherein one or more of the sensordevices is a temperature gauge that measures food temperature. 8) Thesystem of claim 3, wherein one or more of the sensor devices is a timerthat measures time. 9) The system of claim 3, wherein one or more of thesensor devices is a flow meter that measures air velocity within theoven. 10) The system of claim 3, wherein one or more of the sensordevices is an energy meter that measures the amount of power consumed.11) The system of claim 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, wherein the controldevice uses the sensor information to adjust the speed of the fan. 12)The system of claim 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, wherein the sensorinformation is displayed. 13) The system of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein theenergy source device is a wind-up handle; wherein the power conversiondevice is a linear force spring; wherein the transmission is a system ofgears between the linear force spring and the fan; wherein the airmoving device is a fan; wherein the control device is an on-off switch;wherein the mechanical device is a hanger that fits the rack commonlyused within an oven. 14) The system of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein theenergy source device is a wind-up handle; wherein the power conversiondevice is a linear force spring; wherein the transmission is a system ofgears between the linear force spring and the fan; wherein the airmoving device is a fan; wherein the control device is an on-off switch;wherein the mechanical device is a tray that fits on the rack commonlyused within an oven. 15) The system of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein theenergy source device is electricity tapped from the oven light bulbsocket; wherein the power conversion device is a high temperatureelectric motor; wherein the windings on the electric motor are coated insuch a fashion to be able to handle high temperatures environmentcommonly found in or around an oven; wherein the transmission is a driveshaft; wherein the air moving device is a fan; wherein the controldevice is the external oven light switch; wherein the mechanical deviceis a socket that screws into the oven lamp socket. 16) The system ofclaim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the energy source device is an electric energystorage device such as a battery; wherein the energy source device islocated outside of the oven; wherein the power conversion device is anelectric motor; wherein the power conversion device is located outsideof the oven; wherein the transmission device is magnetic through theoven door, wall, or window from the power conversion device to the airmoving device; wherein the air moving device is a fan; wherein themechanical device is a set of magnets that hold the external andinternal devices in relative position. 17) The system of claim 1, 2 or3, wherein the energy source device is an electric energy storage devicesuch as a battery; wherein the energy source device is located outsideof the oven; wherein the power conversion device transmits inductiveenergy through an inductive coil; wherein the power conversion device islocated outside of the oven; wherein the transmission device is aninductive energy receiver through the oven door, wall, or window fromthe power conversion device to the air moving device; wherein the airmoving device is a fan; wherein the mechanical device is a set ofmagnets that hold the external and internal devices in relativeposition. 18) The system of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the energy sourcedevice is located outside of the oven; wherein the power conversiondevice is an electric motor; wherein the power conversion device islocated inside of the oven; wherein the energy source device iselectrically connected to the power conversion device through a flexiblecable routed around the oven door. 19) The system of claim 1, 2 or 3,wherein the energy source device is located outside of the oven; whereinthe power conversion device is an electric motor; wherein the powerconversion device is located outside of the oven; wherein thetransmission device is located partially outside and partially inside ofthe oven; wherein the transmission device includes a flexible driveshaft routed around the oven door; wherein the air moving device islocated inside of the oven. 20) The system of claim 1, 2 or 3, whereinthe energy source device is located outside of the oven; wherein thepower conversion device is an electric motor; wherein the powerconversion device is located outside of the oven; wherein thetransmission device is located partially outside and partially inside ofthe oven; wherein the transmission device includes a flexible drive beltrouted around the oven door; wherein the air moving device is locatedinside of the oven. 21) The system of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20, wherein the air movingdevice is a turbine impeller; wherein the air intake is generally alongthe impeller's axis of rotation; wherein the air exhaust is generally ina radial direction relative to the impeller's axis of rotation. 22) Thesystem of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,17, 18, 19 or 20, wherein the air moving device is a propeller; whereinthe air intake is generally along the propeller's axis of rotation;wherein the air exhaust is generally along the propeller's axis ofrotation. 23) The system of claim 21 or 22, wherein the complex curvedshape of the air moving device is approximated with multiple conicalsections; wherein the multiple conical sections are formable fromstamping and bending a relatively flat piece of material.